Leeds bridge remembering police race harassment victim opened
A new bridge honouring the legacy of a man who died after being racially harassed by police officers has been officially opened in Leeds. The David Oluwale Bridge, which spans the River Aire, was formally opened at a ceremony earlier [today].
Mr Oluwale, from Nigeria, was last seen fleeing police in April 1969 and he was later found drowned in the Aire. The council said the bridge was a symbol of ambition and commitment to diversity and inclusion in Leeds.
Mr Oluwale's body was found in the river after he had been targeted by officers because of his mental health, homelessness and race, the council said.
The new pedestrian bridge, which is between Sovereign Street and Water Lane, was both a physical link and metaphorical bridge between the present and future of Leeds as a city, the David Oluwale Memorial Association (DOMA) said.
Emily Zobel Marshall, DOMA's co-chair, said:
"The new David Oluwale Bridge is deeply symbolic.
"It is a physical emblem of our commitment to confront historic institutional failings and prejudices which led to the death of an innocent man, as well as a representation of renewal; of our commitment to aim for a future where people from all cultural and economic backgrounds are made to feel safe and welcome in Leeds."
